Please visit www.communityofgamers.com as IDCLAN.net is no longer active.

And now for a note from the former founder of IDCLAN.net and ID_ Impending Doom Clan.
As posted on the Community of Gamers message boards.

Alright everyone I've been browsing about and getting caught up on some of the more "popular" topics in my absence. I have a few things that I'd like to say that some may like, and some may not. Either way I've never bit my tongue and today I'm speaking as a former leader of a clan, in fact, lets just say I'm speaking as a member.

I sit here approximately 4 months after ID_ met its demise. I've seen negativity, disguised recruitment from a few past members, complaining and activity (even though there hasn't been a lot of posting). There are a few realities that everyone here old and new are going to have to accept. As of today, myself, Yutz, and Albreezy (leaving us in about 13 days to join the military) are not "active". I can't answer for anyone but myself, and hell I'd even hate to promise that my in game activity is going to increase (I'll let my actions speak) for now though, my play time is next to nothing. Overall I get the feeling that people miss the "old days". I understand that totally. It was comfortable, it was rhythmic it was something many of us knew for YEARS. That familiarity is what people miss.

This community has had a rough 12 to 18 months. There was some inner turmoil that lead for seperation. There were members that left for reasons that I honestly cannot comprehend, and more then likely were due to immaturity. If you have a relationship with some (to me a relationship no matter what it is, IF it is genuine is always worth salvaging). Sometimes that means you have to swallow your pride, apologize and move on. Even before this though, there was a similar pattern that occurred (at least 3 times before this last occurrence, major members came and went).

There was an overall attitude by some members that thought they were "bigger" then the clan. It was these attitudes that ruined it for all of our members. They didn't destroy ID_, NEVER let them believe that. They started to embarrass the clan and taint the clans reputation. This is the only reason why ID_ went away. ID_ was born on its own terms, and it was taken on it's own terms.

We had a total transition to a new address, a new more challenging approach, and even today we face many challenges to make this community a success. Even after the change we faced another HUGE challenge. The website was hacked. It destroyed everything internally and essentially required us to start fresh (the data wasn't lost but every web file was). With the hacking the boards fell silent for a while. Even as recent as last week, the boards were down because of the upgrade process having a few hick-ups.

Change... not familiarity is what we've been experiencing.

Today I want to let you know, as a member you all need to pick your heads up and stop letting the "change" weigh you down. We have a totally new look, feel and presence that started a mere few hours ago. I know some don't have a complete understanding of the development that is going on behind the scenes, but I HOPE that it can be discussed openly in a few weeks. At this time we have a great tool at our disposal. One of the deepest forums on the planet with a base of members that know each other. If this was a brand new community, you would have to build friendships... today you have the liberty to be "familiar" with a pretty large group of users. That is a great thing.

I read doubt in a few posts from people that surprised me. I've seen people bringing the community down because they don't see progress. I've seen people whine about things.

To me that is weak. I think everyone in these boards controls their own destiny. You are using a FREE website and have had more fun with people on this site then maybe even some of your closest friends. I mean seriously, I have close friends that don't game. I love my friends, but I've had more fun with people on these boards then ANY of my "Real life" buddies. It's not a question in my mind.

Some of you have experienced ID_ in its "prime". I'm hear to tell you that if you've experienced it, consider yourself lucky... It was available only for a limited time (5+ years is a while... but hey it was definitely limited). IDCLAN.net allowed for us all to make friends, enemies, and have fun no matter what your current opinion of the clan is (its a fact, if you visited www.idclan.net, registered, chances are you had fun with us to some level I don't care what game you played).

With this said, IDCLAN.net and the Impending Doom Clan (ID_) is dead and will remain dead. I've considered the "petition" and your messages. To me the reason why the clan was successful was the dedication that I was able to provide. I dedicated a portion of my life to ID_ (solidly for 4 years, and another 1.5 years thereafter even though it dwindled during that period). I'm not going to point fingers... the clan was my responsibility. Chances are, if people dislike the clan, its due to my strong opinions and my management practices (either you loved me or hated me).

Today I'm endorsing the [wTw_] War Torn Warriors Clan. I would encourage former ID_ members to make [wTw_] successful. If you can help to make [wTw_] a success, you will help to set the example of how this community is now designed to work. Sure all the details aren't here just yet, there are a few "layers" to this complicated idea, but communication is probably 80% of the total package... Considering that, you have more then enough to make this a successful community.

With this post, I want to let everyone know that we have "familiarity" on CommunityOfGamers.com, but right now we lack the activity that all of us have grown to know/love. Familiarity that could EASILY be picked back up with just a little effort from our community members. Find a interesting news topic, post it. Have a life theory you want to discuss, start a topic. Have a great story or recipe, share it. Frustrated with something in life, vent it. Got a sweet picture, upload it. Etc.

As a member, I encourage you to step your game up. Earn some reputation points and be the best CoG member that you can be.

Thanks for reading.

NOVA
07/08/09 @ 12:25 pm EST